Walking on the red carpet, I reached the open stage, inside the newly opened Prozone mall. Hundreds of lights were strung up. Organisers double checked the spotless white ramp, arranged chairs, adjusted cameras, and made sure everything was just right.
“There shouldn’t be a gap. It should be seamless,” instructed the coordinator. Models and hairdressers were busy back-stage and the audience waited, munching on chilli fish, tacos and ‘stuffed sugarcane’ that the organisers served.
“Hello Coimbatore! Eppadi erikkinge ?, called out the host. Claps and whistles greeted her. After a small presentation on the mall, the designers who were showing at the event were introduced as were the teams from Prozone and Woolmark (who brought together the designers).
Coimbatore Tamil Nadu 21/07/2017: Models present creations during a fashion show by The Woolmark Company at the launch of Prozone shopping mall in Coimbatore on July 21, 2017. Photo: M.Periasamy
There was a dance presentation by a Ukranian team after which the lights went out and anticipation hung heavy in the air. “Presenting to you eka collection of Rina Singh,” announced a voice, and when the spot lights were turned on the ramp, the models moved in effortlessly, clad in pastel saris, skirts, tunics, cardigans, stoles, trousers and caps. Singh’s collection for women bridged western and eastern fashion trends.
A design by Rina Singh
Dhruv Vaish’s men’s collection was both elegant and edgy. His white and pastel sherwanis, kurtas and vest coats had intricate prints and beautiful bright designs. Sahil Kochhar’s designs that were inspired by Indian culture, came in indigo, black and pastels. Bright floral prints stood out.
Suket Dhir’s collection carried an air of informality. Printed and flowy pants, jackets, white suits and printed shirts were applauded enthusiastically by the audience.
Models danced to Spanish music in the elegant clothes of Anushree Reddy. Their soft colours and the subtle shimmer blended in perfectly. Off-shoulder tops, shimmering blouses, stoles and floor length floral skirts in pastel pink, yellow, blue and green were her highlights.
Zeven World presented their collection of sportswear. Tee shirts, jackets, shorts and track pants in bright blue, green and white gave the audience a taste of sports fashion. B-boys entertained the audience in between with their quick moves.
The evening came to an end with an energy packed Zumba performance by actor Shravan Reddy.
By now, claps, whistle, cheers and shouts of “once more”, filled the venue, and the performers and designers received a standing ovation.
The mall covers an area of around 5,00,000 square feet
It has a 9-screen INOX cineplex and Fun Unlimited, an entertainment centre with virtual gaming and amusement zones
FooHD, the food court, has a seating capacity of 600 people
